My beloved Fern passed away April 25, 2012.

When I first met Lenora and Fern at the pet store, I had no idea what they were, so we called them KangarooRats, because that is what they looked like to me. Despite my endless begging, my parents told me that we already had too many animals and I couldn’t adopt more. My birthday was approaching and they were nearly the only things on my wish list. My mom kept saying, “No, we aren’t getting you any KangarooRats for your birthday!” But on my birthday they gave me a cage. Turns out, my mom wasn’t technically lying, because I got degus for my birthday, not KangarooRats. We went to the pet store and I picked them out. Like a kid in a candy store, I was thrilled.

I had them for years and loved them more than my own life. And a few days ago, I was brokenhearted to find Fern lying dead in her cage. Not only that, her legs was gnawed down to the bone by Lenora. Needless to say, it was a long night of crying and nearly puking. I miss her so much. If there were a pet heaven, she would surely be there.

Rest in Peace, Fern. I love you.